My daughter is 27 years of age. Approximately 9 weeks ago she suddenly
had her first bout of vertigo while driving her car. She had to pull
over and let her friend drive. She suffered from bouts of light
headedness, extreme light sensitivity, vertigo and headaches. At times
she was so exhausted, dizzy and feeling 'strange' that she stayed in
bed. She has seen the family doctor and he diagnosed a viral infection
of the ear. Her symptoms seemed to remain the same for the first 4 or 5
weeks. In the last few weeks she has had 4 or 5 days where she feels
better but then again starts to feel lightheaded and the vertigo gets
worse. She says that she always feels slightly dizzy and very sensitive
to bright light. How long can this last? The family doctor told us
about 3 months would be the limit. Is it possible for this to last
longer? She has not driven her car since the first episode and although
she is better than she was at first she still has headaches, dizziness,
a lightheaded feeling and a feeling of just not being right..The
exhaustion has left and she is up most of the time. She also has a
feeling of pressure on the bridge of the nose, and at times when she is
wearing her glasses develops a bad headache across the front of her head
or across the back of her head in the shape of a u from ear to ear.
Obviously she is becoming very concerned about this.
Reply: -----------------------------
I have previously discussed the typical history of inner ear infections (which includes labyrinthitis and viral neuronitis) in previous posts. Please refer to the "review" section of the ENT clinic for more information regarding this under the headings "inner ear" or "labyrinthitis". In short, inner ear viral infections (labyrinthitis or viral neuronitis) are characterized by acute symptoms of whirling vertigo usually accompanied by signficant nausea and vomiting. The acute symptoms typically last for up to 4-5 days. The acute symptoms are persistent but made worse with head movement usually necessitating bedrest and sedative medication. Thereafter, lesser degrees of dysequilibrium are common and can last for 6-8 weeks typically. Symptoms that last beyond this time frame, or symptoms that remain constant and don't seem to gradually be improving warrant an evaluation by a specialist - either a neurologist or an ENT specialist.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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